Dorothy Bernice Griffin

Dorothy Bernice Griffin, 92, of Centralia, formerly of Patoka passed away peacefully and beautifully, December 18, 2021 surrounded by her family. She was born during a cold and snowy blizzard on December 16, 1929, the daughter of Frank and Roxie (Sheppard) Snyder in Fairman, Illinois. She married the love of her life, Leslie M. Griffin on June 19, 1949, at the Patoka Methodist Church in Patoka, Illinois.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Lana Kae Soldat and husband David of Lake Carroll, Illinois, and Leslie Ann Nitz and husband Bill of Centralia, Illinois; four grandchildren, Emily Kae and husband Christopher, Mark Leslie, LeAnn Nicole and significant other Ray, and Eric William; two great-grandchildren, Griffin Thomas, and Noah Christopher; many dear nephews and nieces; special caregivers Becky Jones and Mariann Wrone; Residential Hospice nurse Jeannie Faith and Chaplain Brad Garner. 

Mrs. Griffin was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, Leslie M. Griffin; and her three brothers, Harold Snyder, Dale Snyder, and Tracy Snyder all of Fairman, Illinois.

Dorothy was a loving, caring and wonderful woman. Her spirit was contagious and her zest for life was inspirational. Dorothy was an active member of Patoka Methodist Church. She was always involved and on numerous church committees and was a past President of WSCS. Throughout the years, Dorothy was involved in various activities including, Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron, Club 15, pinochle club and knit club, where she loved to serve as a hostess to her friends. Dorothy loved making crafts, crocheting, knitting, sewing along with making quilts for her family and friends, storytelling and reciting poems.

Dorothy enjoyed flower gardening and canning vegetables, working in her yard, cooking and baking, and most importantly, spending time with her family and friends. Dorothy will be missed dearly. She was a true gift and we were all so blessed to have had her in our lives. She will forever remain in our hearts.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 23 at the Patoka Methodist Church. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday with Rev. Kevin Kriesel officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s honor to Patoka United Methodist Church or Patoka City Cemetery. Online condolences and memories of Dorothy may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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